Airbus chief executive Noel Forgeard seemed similarly loath to take the issue further.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Farnborough forms arena for corporate wars

"This will be quite an achievement in view of existing conditions, " Forgeard reiterated.

CNN: Emirates orders 41 Airbus jets

However, Airbus's chief executive, Noel Forgeard, reckons that his share by value is 52%, because the Toulouse-based manufacturer has sold more big jets.

ECONOMIST: Airbus

Chief Executive of Airbus Industrie Noel Forgeard told reporters his company expects about 250 new orders this year and will deliver 300 new airplanes.

CNN: Emirates orders 41 Airbus jets

"It's no secret that this is a challenging time for the airline industry, especially in the United States, " said Noel Forgeard, Airbus president and chief executive officer.

BBC: Airbus wins US order